After my graduation from Rosenberg in 2010 (German Abitur) I started to study law at Bucerius Law School in Hamburg, Germany. Bucerius Law School is the first private Law School in Germany. It offers a great juridical education in a shorter time than state universities and is ranked as the best law school in Germany. To get accepted, everyone had to pass a two day assessment center. Luckily, everything worked out well for me and I had the chance to start off together with another 100 students in fall 2010. Due to Bucerius Law School’s high standards, the first two years were very intense and demanding. Therefore I was very happy to have the opportunity to study abroad for one semester after these challenging two years. I chose Willamette University, College of Law in Oregon, USA, and spent a fantastic time there! Studying law in the United States surrounded by so many inspiring people and the lovely nature in Oregon was simply awesome. Upon my return to Bucerius Law School I specialized in tax and company law. In 2014, I finished my Bachelor of Laws. Unfortunately, in Germany you will not be able to work as a lawyer unless you pass two state exams (similar to the bar exams in the USA). The results of these exams are enormously important for your later job opportunities. That is where I am now: Studying for my exams during this summer.
I really, really enjoyed my time at Rosenberg. So it is very difficult to name the best thing about it. I think I liked the people the most. Each person was special in his or her own kind: All students and teachers were so open-minded and interesting that it was a pleasure to experience such a unique diversity and to spend my time with them at Rosenberg. Sometimes, I wish people in Germany were as open-minded as they were at Rosenberg.
Of course I like the pulsating mega-cities like Paris, New York or San Francisco. I would not say “no” if you offered me a ticket to go there right now. During my stay abroad, however, I got to know Portland, OR, USA, very well. Portland isn’t a very large city (it only has around 600,000 citizens) but for me it is not surprising that it has been named the most livable city within the United States. It offers the perfect mixture of a neat European town and a modern, very individual city with a major hipster scene.
I love the mountains. Especially, I enjoy our yearly family holiday close to Lech, Austria, around Christmas. It is so beautiful and peaceful that we always gather a lot of new energy for the following year.
It is a pity I have never been to Rome, Italy. I studied Latin for over five years in school. Rome is such an interesting city with a fascinating culture and history. After my state exam in law I definitely want to go there.
Three things:
- Try to find as many friends as you can!
- And more difficult: Try to stay in touch with them after having left Rosenberg!
- Cherish the chances your parents gave to you and make the best out of it!
My mother. She is the one who brought me to where I am now and who taught me to never give up. I will never be able to tell her how thankful I am. However, even 5 years after leaving Rosenberg, I also often think about Mrs Schmid. I don’t know many people who spend so much energy on their job and are so disciplined as she is. She has my biggest respect!
It is very precious to me that I have been allowed to enjoy so much private education. In my opinion it is a great opportunity that only very few people may experience. It is a unique chance to start into life; unfortunately, state held schools and universities mostly cannot offer the same quality of education.
This summer I will take my juridical state exam and after that I will start with my PhD thesis. I’m not sure yet, whether I will become a lawyer or work in a company. Perhaps I would also like to earn an MBA. However, I am sure that I would like to have a big family and live together with them in a house with a big garden.
To learn to live is to learn to be happy!